The speaker for our final Autumn lecture will be Dr Conor Keelan (formerly Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council).

Conor will be speaking about Patrick Curtis (1740-1832), who served as the Catholic Archbishop of Armagh (1819-32). Curtis studied for the priesthood in Salamanca and was both Rector of the Irish College and professor at the University there (1780-17). Whilst in Spain he was spymaster of a network that provided military intelligence to Wellesley’s Anglo-Portuguese army. His friendship with Wellington assisted in his promotion to Armagh. It is also thought to have paved the way for Catholic Emancipation.

The lecture will be held in Stoke’s Room of The Barbican Centre (St. Peter’s R.C. Parish Centre), Drogheda (Eircode A92 X004) on Thursday 10 December 2026 at 8 p.m.

All are welcome. Voluntary donations at the door are welcome to support the work of the Society.